Founded in 2020, Pou Tangata Moana the Pacific Public Servants network brings together Pacific public servants from various Public Sector agencies and Crown entities, with the aim of fostering a united Pacific community across the Public Service.
Pacific people are a diverse population group with distinct socio-cultural, economic and linguistic histories. The median age for Pacific peoples is 23 and the population is fast growing. In 2018, the Pacific population was 381,642 and it is estimated to increase to 480,000 by 2026 and to 650,000 by 2038.
Pacific peoples contribute cultural richness, diverse perspectives and valuable subject matter expertise throughout the public service. Pacific represent 10.7% of the Public Service workforce; this continues to grow – exceeding the Pacific population representation of 8.1% as at the last census. These changing demographics represent a generational shift for Pacific people in Aotearoa and present great opportunities.
Pou Tangata Moana draws on the wisdom and voices of its members who have told us what is important for them as Pacific public servants. In reflecting the voices and interests of Pacific public servants, Pou Tangata Moana has a strong focus on:
- promoting culturally safe development opportunities, such as leadership pathways, career progression and targeted skill-building
- addressing Pacific underrepresentation
- advocating for pay transparency
- championing equity
- ensuring Pacific perspectives are considered and included across the Public Service.
Pou Tangata Moana facilitates a coordinated approach by bringing together agency Pacific employee-led network leaders and members to share best practice across Pacific networks, explore opportunities to partner, discuss and collaborate to address issues that impact Pacific peoples within the Public Service. It does not duplicate the work of established Pacific networks but aims to enhance the connectivity, visibility, mobility and influence of Pacific public servants.
Who can join
Pou Tangata Moana is open to all Pacific public servants across the motu.
Why join us
Pou Tangata Moana creates a space for Pacific public servants to come together to connect, expand their professional connections, broaden their professional networks, learn, share and utilise development opportunities, and contribute their cultural and community expertise across local, regional and national levels. Additionally, it provides a space where Pacific can embrace and express their heritage, language, culture, and identity within the workplace.
How to join
To join Pou Tangata Moana and other networks, complete the sign-up form at the button below.
Who is involved
Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone
Secretary for Pacific Peoples
Role: Executive Sponsor
Faleomavaega Helen Karati and Alana Fasavalu
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
Role: Co-Chairs
Tuiloma Lina Samu
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Role: Komiti
Anna Ta’ale-Leilua
Ministry of Social Development
Role: Komiti
Alfie Prasad
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Role: Komiti
Rebecca Fonoti
New Zealand Defence Force
Role: Komiti
Pou Tangata Moana explanation
Pou - is a phrase used in several Pacific languages meaning posts and in this instance strongholds.
Tangata – translates to ‘people’ in Māori Kūki ‘Airani and refers to Pacific peoples across the public sector in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The term is used intentionally to honour tangata whenua of Aotearoa, our ancient whakapapa relationship with Māori and the strong ties of indigenous peoples across te Moana-Nui-ō-Kiva/ Te Moana-Nui-ā-Kiwa.
Moana – meaning 'Ocean,' symbolises our connection through the Pacific Ocean among the Pacific nations. It unites us. The Pacific Ocean, being the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions, holds great significance. As peoples of the Pacific, we are the stewards of these waters, a responsibility mirrored in the roles we undertake within the public sector.
In the varied roles within Public Service to which we have been called, we possess the opportunity to effect systemic change. As Pacific peoples, we serve and lead. Pou Tangata Moana calls us to stand in our mana and unite as a collective of the Moana.
We call upon the words of the late Dr. Epeli Hau'ofa:
“We should not be defined by the smallness of our islands, but by the greatness of our oceans. We are the sea, we are the ocean, Oceania is us...”
The logo represents the rise and success of our people. Its gradient hues mirror the ocean’s depths, symbolising the depth of thought and the clarity of vision for this network. The undulating lines suggest a journey, reflecting the undeterred spirit of those who navigate challenges, much like our ancestors on the open sea.
The wave design encapsulates both strength and grace, reminiscent of the Pacific’s majestic swells. It’s a reminder that, like the ocean, success is vast, boundless, and filled with potential.
The vertical layers portray the Pacific ‘Pou’, the pillars of the people of the moana and the varying layers of influence that they are involved in across the Public Service. The weave on the Pou is symbolic of the work done by the network to bring together the different navigation stories and experiences of Tangata Moana to support and encourage fellow public servants on their professional journeys.
The logo is not just a symbol, but a call to endure the rough seas, to stand strong and tall to dive deep into the ocean of possibilities.